Education Programs Admin Specialist – Early Ed & Reading

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University’s College of Education seeks an Administrative Assistant for the Early, Elementary, and Reading Education department. This role provides administrative and clerical support to the department, Academic Unit Head, faculty, and students, ensuring smooth daily operations.

Responsibilities include front-line service, calendar management, budget support, and coordination of hiring, onboarding, and special projects, with emphasis on FERPA compliance and effective communications.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for interaction with faculty, staff and students.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities are required.
• Excellent prioritization and problem-solving skills are needed to manage multiple tasks.
• Experience with digital office technologies (MS Office 365, Adobe Sign) is preferred.
• Ability to learn and adapt to change and new processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply university policies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an initial point of contact for faculty, students and visitors, providing excellent service by phone, in person, and electronically.
• Support the Academic Unit Head with scheduling, transcripts, file organization, calendar management, communications, and event logistics.
• Create protocols to ensure FERPA compliance and efficient departmental function.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism with sensitive information.
• Maintain up-to-date schedules, syllabi, and textbook information.
• Coordinate hiring, onboarding, supervision, and separation processes for department employees.
• Prepare budget documents and monitor departmental allocations including SPCC and development funds.
• Provide administrative support for grants, including acting as fiscal contact on grant applications.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Problem solving

MS Office 365

Adobe Sign

Adaptability

Policy interpretation

Tools

MS Office 365

Adobe Sign

Job description

James Madison University’s College of Education seeks an Administrative Assistant for the Early, Elementary, and Reading Education department. This role provides administrative and clerical support to the department, Academic Unit Head, faculty, and students, ensuring smooth daily operations.

Responsibilities include front-line service, calendar management, budget support, and coordination of hiring, onboarding, and special projects, with emphasis on FERPA compliance and effective communications.